In limited-overs cricket, whenever a team piles up an imposing total, the chasing side, on most occasions, succumbs to the ever-increasing asking rate before eventually suffering a heavy defeat. Now, that might be the script of most of the games, but every now and then, there comes a cricketer who somehow manages to lead the charge for his side's run-chase even when the odds aren't in their favour. The 2nd ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Mount Maunganui witnessed something similar - thanks to Thisara Perera.

Riding on three fifty-plus scores, including a sensational 112-run partnership between opener Colin Munro and Ross Taylor for the third wicket, the hosts romped their way to a massive 319-run total at the loss of seven wickets in 50 overs. While the Lankan side might have been going through a transition lately, they were still not ruled out from the challenging chase that was on offer.

However, contrary to popular perception, the visitors just couldn't get going before suffering a major batting collapse. From losing two wickets within 14 overs of their run-chase, the Lankans were soon reduced down to 128/7 in 27 overs. Apart from opener Danushka Gunathilaka (71), none of the batsmen from the visiting side looked up to the task. But, at a time, when all hope seemed lost, one man stepped up his game to give the opposition a late scare.

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Coming out to bat with his side reeling at 121/5, the left-hander held fort for his side in their chase with some slambang batting display. The fact that the Lankans had lost five wickets for a mere 16 runs had little effect on Perera who clobbered his way to a hundred in just 57 balls - fastest ODI ton by a batsman against New Zealand.

But, the left-hander wasn't done. Perera's blows continued to rain down on Bay Oval like a meteor shower, reminding all those - including New Zealand - that it wasn't going to end the way everyone expected. With just 22 runs needed for victory and only No. 11 Nuwan Pradeep for company, Perera once again swung his bat for a big hit, only this time, he ended up mis-hitting it. Trent Boult sprinted forward to complete an excellent diving catch at long-on and Perera's gem of an innings finally came to end.

VICTORY! But it didn't come without a few nervous moments! Thisara Perera blasting an amazing 140 off just 74 balls! NZ win by 21 runs and claim the series! #NZvSLpic.twitter.com/IEBNyIPGee

A spectacular Perera power-hitting spectacle was eventually not enough to lift the Lankans out of a pit of their middle-order's making, but it undoubtedly added excitement and plethora of entertainment to what earlier seemed like a one-sided affair. Smashing 13 sixes and eight fours, Perera clobbered a sensational 74-ball 140 that didn't just cause a late scare to the hosts, but also helped the Lankan to etch his name in the history books for a few records.

Perera's tally of 13 sixes in his innings is the most by a Sri Lankan batsman in an ODI innings overhauling Sanath Jayasuriya's 11 maximums against Pakistan in 1996. Also, his 140 is now the third-highest score batting at the No. 7 position or below in the ODIs, surpassing MS Dhoni's 139 against Africa XI in 2007 in Chennai. His knock stands behind unbeaten 170 by Luke Ronchi in 2015 and the unbeaten 146 by Marcus Stoinis against New Zealand in 2017.

One of d great & entertaining knocks but unfortunately fr Prera & Srilanka that knock ended on a losing side.That really was brutal,terrific & what not from the leftie.👏👏140 of 74 wd 13 monstrous sixes. Out of nowhere almost won it for his team.But not to be today.#nzvsl